Koloumbo beach is said to be a very nice beach (black sand with pebbles) near Oia. Naturism has been squeezed out and, until a complete change of attitude can be brought about, quieter islands must be sought out."ĭespite these unpropitious circumstances there are still places where naturism can be practised. Red Beach and Limani Beach at Monolithos, little frequented in 1987, are now lined with beach umbrellas. However, the underlying cause, of the virtual demise of Naturism on Santorini, is the vast expansion of the tourist industry. Clearly, there has been an official crackdown. Prohibition signs appear at former naturist beaches. "Today, only a handful of furtive naturists can be found on the whole island. At Perissa, where the beach is less overlooked, naturists could be found right along the sea front. The main sea front, at Kamari Beach, was non-naturist but, as soon as the tavernas began to thin out, any inhibitions vanished. In 1987, Santorini was approaching the ideal - a co-existence between naturists and non-naturists on almost every beach. In the intervening 13 years, Naturism has undergone a massive retrogression. "We visited Santorini in September 1987 and again in August 2000. The problem for naturists on Santorini was neatly described by one of my contributors, who said this: When the Captain visited (September 1998) it was hard to spot even toplessness there. The biggest package tour destination is Kamari, which is extremely developed with a long frontage of tavernas and tourist shops. Just don't confuse the local producers (who sometimes sell from the back of a truck along the road) from the commercial shops." I hate to say this, because it is not in the best interest of the local producers. Beware of buying anything in shops that say 'traditional' produce (herbs, fava peas, honey, etc.) because it is not always so. There is a lot of effort put into trying to impress visitors by offering a classier & expensive experience of the island, but that is not always accompanied by an effort to maintain the unique local flavour the island once enjoyed. Everything is geared towards maximizing the tourism industry, and it's hard (even being Greek) to feel that one is truly welcome there in the sense that those who profit from tourism will do their best to maintain an atmosphere of tranquillity and authentic hospitality. "Things are not the same in Santorini, and it's not just a matter of naturism. Tourism is a big, and I mean big, operation here, something which itself has taken its toll.Ī June 2001 visitor who is herself Greek said this: The island is a major destination for tourists from all over the world, and the prices in the main town of Fira are hiked for the benefit (?) of the many cruise boats that call there. This is a beautiful and spectacular island, but not great for its beaches, most of which are volcanic black.